The Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project has evolved significantly since its inception as part of the 2020 Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek and Marengo Community Infrastructure Plan.

Initially led by Colac Otway Shire Council (COS), early planning involved extensive community and stakeholder engagement through drop-in sessions, reference groups, online consultations, and targeted discussions. This resulted in the development of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan (2020), which provided a strategic framework to guide future harbour improvements.

Following the announcement of Geelong City Deal funding in 2020, COS progressed early concept designs and consulted the community on proposals including upgraded car parking, improved pedestrian connections, a new waterfront promenade, an expanded Fishermen’s Cooperative building, and a new Port Operations Depot. Broad community support was received for enhancing public access, improving harbour usability, and retaining the important role of the working harbour.

In early 2022, Geelong City Deal projects, including Apollo Bay Harbour Redevelopment Project, encountered delivery challenges. In response, the Geelong City Deal Implementation Committee undertook a collaborative review, recommending that the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) assume delivery responsibility for the project. This transfer was finalised in mid-2023.

GORCAPA has since progressed the project by refining the scope, completing independent reviews of the 2020 Development Plan, appointing Antarctica Architects as lead consultants, and establishing a Community Reference Group to ensure community voices are heard throughout the planning process.

Following the completion of an Opportunities and Constraints Report, A draft Precinct Plan, is now available for community feedback.

The sentiments gathered during this process will inform the finalisation of the Precinct Plan later in 2025, ensuring the project reflects both the harbour’s important working role and community aspirations for a vibrant, accessible precinct.

Community Engagement (Current)

Engagement on the draft Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct Plan will commence from Wednesday 7 May until Sunday 1 June 2025.

Please help us shape this project by providing your feedback and asking us any questions.

The best way to do this is to complete the survey. We would also encourage you to join us in Apollo Bay at one of our pop-up stalls or register for one of our online information sessions.

Community Reference Group (Ongoing)

The CRG has been established and continues to share the community’s values and aspirations and consider how these can align with best practices in coastal infrastructure.

Independent Review (Completed)

We commissioned independent reviews of the Apollo Bay Harbour Development Plan 2020 (the Plan).

The reviews found that design amendments are needed to ensure current planning and environmental controls are met.

This provided clarity on what refinements may be required to further progress designs while ensuring the upgrades deliver for local businesses and community and meet overall project outcomes.

Appointment of Head Consultant (Completed)

The Authority has appointed a Head Consultant, Antarctica Architects, to lead the project into and beyond the next phase of planning and design.

In conjunction with the Authority, Antarctica Architects are working with key stakeholders to progress the delivery of the project by working towards key milestones such as preparing the precinct plan and architectural designs for key elements of the Harbour.

The Victoria’s Resilient Coast (VRC) Framework has guided the planning process for this site, supporting proactive and long-term coastal hazard risk management.

With climate change expected to increase exposure to coastal hazards—including intensified wave action, storm activity, and sea level rise—this framework provides a structured approach for assessing vulnerability and identifying appropriate adaptation responses.

The Fishermen's Co-Op and proposed depot upgrades are located within the harbour, offering protection from the open coast. This area is currently safeguarded by a seawall, although further investigation is required to determine its ongoing maintenance needs to ensure continued protection against erosion.

In contrast, the existing Mother's Beach car park area is more exposed and at greater risk of erosion, particularly when considering projected sea level rise.

The VRC Framework, combined with community values and objectives, has been central to evaluating adaptation options and shaping feasible pathways.

Adaptation measures have been carefully assessed to minimise unintended impacts on surrounding environments. This process has directly informed the strategic siting of infrastructure within the precinct, enabling us to maintain the area’s core values and functions into the future.

By applying this approach, we aim to support long-term resilience and sustainable use of the site—now and beyond 2100.

If you are interested in finding out more about coastal hazard risk management and adaptation, visit the Victoria’s Resilient Coast – Adapting for 2100+ webpage.

Apollo Bay has a strong connection to recreation and access to the ocean, the Great Ocean Road and surrounding Otway National Park.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Precinct’s public uses are focused around the proximity to the water and fishing operations. Fishing, swimming, sailing, wildlife tours, whale watching and enjoying fresh seafood are among the key activities.

There’s public access to both the main and lee breakwaters where there are fish cleaning stations and rod holders, small jetties and ladders for access to the water’s edge and small craft. To the east, Point Bunbury has the sailing club, public open space and public parking and boat ramp as well as providing the access point to three separate beach coves.

The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op is fronted by an outdoor public space and the whale watching platform, however the public use of this area is compromised by being shared with vehicles and commercial fishing and industrial operations.

The draft precinct plan carefully considers the optimisation of the public use and space within the harbour precinct.

Key precinct improvements identified in the draft Precinct Plan include:

• Upgraded Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative facilities
• Upgraded Port Operations Depot to support safe harbour management
• A new viewing deck (above the depot) with increased public open space
• A new community meeting space (attached to the upgraded depot)
• New public amenities (attached to the upgraded depot)
• Ocean Rescue vessel storage (attached to the upgraded depot)
• Upgrades to the Mother’s Beach car park and new public changing huts
• New pedestrian and cycling access that ties together the town centre, public realm and viewing deck, working harbour and Breakwater Road.

Download a copy of the FAQ here.

The Apollo Bay Harbour Opportunities and Constraints Report outlines the key insights gathered from stakeholder consultations, government policies, spatial analysis, and expert technical input.

We have divided the report in three sections which you can download below.

Section 1: Introduction and Purpose

Section 2: Site Analysis

Section 3: Opportunities and Constraints

Download a copy of the infographic here.

The draft Apollo Bay Harbour draft Precinct Plan sets out a vision for the revitalisation and redevelopment of the Apollo Bay Harbour area. This plan aims to create a safer, more accessible, and enjoyable environment for the community, enhancing both public and commercial spaces.

To help people understand the project in more detail we have also prepared a package of materials which include:

1. The draft precinct plan,
2. Zoomed-in view of the Co-Op / Depot area, and
3. An indication of the proposed buildings in three dimensions.

Download a copy of the draft Precinct Plan package here.

The precinct’s development will be approached holistically, ensuring a balance between its various uses, including tourism, recreation, and industry, while preserving the unique character of the area. The plan will also align with the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 (MACA), ensuring the project proceeds in an integrated way and meets regulatory requirements.

We invite you to review the draft plan and provide your feedback.